This post is part of the “Walking with God Through Life’s Hard Seasons” Series. Today, we begin by looking at how to experience God’s peace when the future feels uncertain, trusting His presence even we can’t see the road ahead.
Let’s look first at what uncertain means. Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Nature:
“Uncertainty refers to the state of being unsure or having doubt about future events, outcomes, or truths. In the biblical context, uncertainty often arises in human experience due to the limitations of human knowledge and the unpredictability of life. It is a condition that can lead to anxiety, fear, and a lack of peace if not addressed through faith and trust in God.”
Decisions, grief, health, relationships, and other life situations can create uncertainty. What is needed is a way to cope with the emotions that come along with uncertainty.
When you wrestle with situations that create uncertainty, peace can be one of the first casualties. We are going to look at some of the peace-robbers and what God’s Word tells us about overcoming them.
Here are some of the peace-robbers:
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Wrong Focus
- Fear
- Lack of Confidence
- Leaning on Your Understanding
- Conclusion
Anxiety
What is Anxiety?
The Dictionary of Bible Themes defines Worry (Anxiety) as, “A sense of uneasiness and anxiety about the future. Scripture indicates that such anxiety is ultimately grounded in a lack of trust in God and his purposes.”
As humans, we all can fall into times when we worry about a particular situation. It’s natural. But not a way to live your life. A Christian has a resource to overcome worry or anxiety. The peace of God can soothe anxiety away.
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
The Lord tells you there is nothing, no situation that He does not cover with His peace. But you need to take it to Him in prayer. This peace is not what you are used to. It goes beyond anything you understand and continues to protect you from anxiety as you stay connected to Him.
Confusion
Confusion is not of God
When difficult decisions or situations come, we can become so overwrought that our thought process is clouded with confusion. You know this is not God’s way.
1 Corinthians 14:33 ESV “For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints,”
James 4:7 NIV “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
When you become confused, remember that is not from God. Submit to Him and resist that feeling. Ask Him to clarify the situation.
Taking a few deep breaths or a quick breathing exercise can help. Clearing your mind will help you remember God’s wisdom.
Wrong Focus
What Does Focus Have to Do With It?
Colossians 3:1-4 NIV “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.“
If you are focused on the world and not looking at the things of Christ, you are out of focus with the Lord. To be secure and calm, able to handle life, resting in Jesus Christ is the only way.
Going to Him in prayer, asking for help in your walk with Him will change your life. Staying focused on Him becomes more natural the more you practice it.
Try memorizing scripture to build your focus. Take a verse special to you and put it in your memory. Scripture is very powerful.
Staying closer to the Lord will help your emotions become God’s tools instead of a hindrance.
Fear
A Common Robber of Peace
Isaiah 41:10 NIV “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
We all understand as humans, how debilitating fear can be. As a Christian, you have a resource in God that unbelievers do not have.
Learning to depend on Him before you become weighed down in fear is the answer. That’s not always easy because fear can grip you quickly. At that moment, turn the fear over to the Lord and let Him take care of it. Relying on Him before fear begins to overwhelm you is the key.
2 Timothy 1:7 NIV “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.“
God, the Holy Spirit will give you power, love, and self-discipline to learn to turn quickly to the Lord. It’s a lot better than the panic you can feel when depending on yourself.
Lack of Confidence
Where Do You Put Your Confidence?
Sometimes you need to revisit the moment of salvation. Knowing Jesus loved you enough to die for your sins gave you enough confidence to trust in Him for eternal life and fellowship with Him. If He did that for you, won’t He be there in difficult situations?
It may not be a conscious lack of confidence in Jesus Christ, but it’s still there. Go to Him in prayer and ask for His help. Your confidence will be restored. Perserverance builds confidence.
Hebrews 10:35-36 NIV “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.
Jeremiah 17:7 NIV “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.”
The will of God is for you to have His peace. Trust in Him in everything.
Leaning on Your Understanding
Submitting to God for Peace
Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart And lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Trust in Jesus Christ is about trusting Him in all areas of life. When you make decisions without Jesus Christ, you can lose the peace you have when relying on Him.
Living life gets busy, and you can lose focus on the direction needed to make a good decision. That’s why having a daily devotion can help keep you centered on what Jesus wants in your life.
Leaning on your understanding will never produce the fruit you want in your life. Doing God’s will is not only about obedience, but also about building a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Submitting to Him because His way is best will help you want what is in God’s will.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the peace-robbers and how God can help you overcome them:
- Anxiety – Pray about everything.
- Confusion – Submit to God
- Wrong Focus – Set your mind on things above.
- Fear – Rely on Him before the fear overwhelms you.
- Lack of Confidence – Remember who you trust.
- Leaning on Your Understanding – Let God make your paths straight.
Uncertain situations can really create havoc in your life. Want peace? Let the Lord lead you.
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